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Anton/Bauer Batteries Keeps ’Em Rolling

NEW YORK—Technology has changed
dramatically in the 23-plus years that I’ve
worked as a cinematographer and camera
operator, but one thing has remained constant:
my requirement for a reliable power
source to operate my equipment.

Cameras today are essentially computers
with a lens port. When you’re shooting 4K
video or greater, power is everything. It has
to be dependable or you risk corrupting
files and not getting the take that you want.
I’ve used Anton/Bauer batteries domestically
and internationally for two decades and
have come to rely on them for everything
I do.

Anton/Bauer’s HyTron 140 is my go-to
choice for my camera stabilization system.
These batteries supply the proper amount
of current for my on-board accessories,
which typically includes a daylight-viewable
HD monitor, lens control system and
wireless transmitter.

I power my camera with Anton/Bauer
Dionic HC or HCX batteries, as I almost always
use a RED Epic for episodic television
or commercials.

On set, there’s a cart with chargers and
the assistants can just plug in my HyTrons
or Dionic HCs and walk away. With Anton/
Bauer’s smart charger systems, there’s never
any worry about overcharging or rejuvenation
cycles. I leave my battery collection on
the chargers even when we’re not
shooting.

I’ve gotten some amazing day-to-
day and year-to-year life expectancies
from Anton/Bauer batteries.
The HyTron usually has a
four- to six-year lifespan, but some
of mine have been in use for more
than eight years.

NO ROOM FOR FAILURE
In March 2013, I was the camera
operator on the pilot of NBC’s
“The Blacklist.” This turned out
to be a 16-day shoot. We used the
Sony F55 CineAlta camera (which
was in beta then) and had two
cameras rolling—handheld and on
dolly—all the time.

One day we were shooting a complicated
and tense dialogue scene on location in
the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and the next day
would find us shooting an action sequence
on a working drawbridge in Long Beach,
New York. This equated to two 14-hour days
with exposure to the elements and some really
brutal weather. All of the gear was powered
by Anton/Bauer batteries and we had
to stay constantly powered up and ready to
go at a moment’s notice to capture the nonstop
energy of the sequences, including
crashing vehicles, explosions, gun battles
and a boat chase.

Also, throughout the pilot, we were concerned
about working with a camera that
was still in beta. Consequently, reliable power
was especially crucial to maintain a sense
of normality and dependability. However,
no cameras went down and there were no
hiccups with any of the gear.

My Anton/Bauer batteries are a known
quantity. I know they will charge and provide
the power I need with no surprises.
I’ve seen other products come and go, but
Anton/Bauer batteries have been something
that I’ve been able to rely upon since
the beginning of my career.

Brant Fagan, SOC, has traveled the globe
as a cinematographer/camera operator
working on feature films, episodic television,
commercials, and live events. He may
be contacted at brant@brantsfagan.com.